Project Vortex is a unique resource offering a cooperative network of global artists, architects and creative types that use plastics as a medium for their work. Utilizing ocean plastic offers a way to reduce the amount of pollution in the gyres, where an incredible amount of it circles around the world’s waterways. They provide a list of collaborating artists, display gallery pieces and sponsor exhibits made mostly from plastic ocean debris. They also offer educational resources, like Project Vortex University, thier online library which provides a connection for individuals who are trying to find a way to work with plastic ocean… read more

Art therapy, or utilizing art and materials to express one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions through creative processes, can be especially beneficial for children and adolescents. Anyone can use art therapy to explore and manage emotional states, and it is helpful to children who may not yet be able to, or might not prefer to, communicate about issues that may be more readily expressed through various mediums. There is no right or wrong answer in art therapy, and it can be used in conjunction with or without other therapies to address a range of conditions, emotions and everyday concerns. One great example of how… read more

Diatoms are single‐celled microalgae that have exterior shells. Their shells resemble intricate, polished glass, and they all have distinct and interesting presentations. They are located in all water environments and are thought to have emerged over 180 million years ago. The world of diatoms are largely mysterious, and reportedly contains over 200, 000 mostly unknown species. Though they live in a world unbeknownst to most, they have a large impact on the global climate and carbon dioxide levels. The significance of their ecosystems in marine and freshwater habitats is also essential. Diatoms are responsible for over 20% of the photosynthesis that occurs… read more

Appreciating structures and landmarks is a favorite pastime of many. However, the world is full of places that have been long forgotten about and left to decay. Ghost towns provoke interest and allure, but there is also abandoned architecture at sea, floating alone and deteriorating slowly with each ebb and flow. One island that was inhabited and developed in the 1890’s housed a productive coal mine and the workers who toiled there. Hashima Island, also known as Gunkanjima or Battleship Island, was established by the Mitsubishi Corporation as an undersea mining operation. Since the spot of land contained a massive underwater bed of… read more

Chocolate is a global delight that many consider to be a favorite indulgence. Opening the packaging and releasing the rich aroma, not to mention the whole melting in your mouth sensation, is enough to halt a chocolate lover momentarily in a sensory-heightened escape from the mundane. But do we always think about where our sweet treats travel from in order to get into our hands? Some of the highest cocoa producing commodities are found in the Western African countries of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. These regions produce over 70% of the world’s cocoa. These areas are reportedly also responsible… read more

Art and film have the power to bring awareness and offer both exploration and stance on issues. The following are a few short films with an environmental focus and attention to sustainable civilization. Excellent Development has several community oriented short films that reveal the significant need for land and water conservation in rural regions. This video explores the collaborative relationships that exist within communities, and shows how when social efforts are united, even stronger ones can be formed. As pointed out by the organization, every year approximately 75 billion tons of soil is lost because of land erosion. When combined with severe drought and risk… read more

We are more technologically connected than ever, but are we less connected to each other? Seemingly, the answer is yes. And research is backing this up with interesting findings in the quest to better understand human behavior in a social media crazed society. Why do we need to be constantly connected to all things media? Why have we become wired this way? An article published in 250 words examines those of us who have our feet in both worlds; born before the era of the internet, but now rooted and immersed daily in the world of technology. Referring to those… read more

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), almost 30 million tons of cardboard was generated from businesses in the U.S. in 2012. Of this amount, 91% was recycled that same year. Paper Recycles reported that there was a drop in the amount of recycled corrugated cardboard in 2013, seeing only 88.5% recovered in the U.S. last year. The EPA stated that corrugated cardboard is among the easiest material to recycle. Steve Wintercroft of Wintercroft Masks has come up with a fun way to reuse cardboard. He has designed a collection of do it yourself, printable masks that are intended… read more

Terrariums are a fun way to bring some of the green indoors all year round, especially appreciated when the weather is cold and drab. When purchased from a plant nursery or storefront, terrariums may lean on the pricey side. With a few materials to get started, one can be made DIY style for a budget friendly version. Though they require some know-how regarding supplies and growing conditions, they do not demand extensive upkeep. Ferns, miniature palms, succulents and moss work well in terrariums. Plants will need a lot of indirect sunlight and attention to the moisture level is important. Terrariums… read more

In a society that has gadgets galore, turns out the best one is still the human brain, and it even has its own snooze button. Simply put – our brains need a break, and that’s where daydreaming comes in. Daydreaming, though it may seem like a pointless waste of time, actually serves several purposes. However, research studies have been contradicting themselves regarding just what these are. Everyone, everywhere, has been subject to daydreaming. Though it varies for each individual, many of us can spend as much as 30 to 50% of our hours spent awake daydreaming. A normal part of… read more